East Riding of Yorkshire Council will again be running its popular scheme which gives shoppers free parking in the run up to Christmas, starting on Saturday, 7 December.
For the past four years, those preparing for Christmas by shopping in the East Riding have benefited as the council suspended parking charges at its car parks during the three weekends leading up to Christmas.
Once again, pay and display machines in the council’s car-parks and on-street parking locations will be clearly marked to let shoppers know there is no charge for these weekends leading up to Christmas.
However this year East Riding of Yorkshire Council will be combining the start of the parking scheme with ‘Small Business Saturday’ a national day that aims to promote the importance of small and independent traders, particularly relevant in the East Riding which has a number of market towns.
Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economy, investment and inequalities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council recognises that due to the current economic climate we are all having to watch our expenditure and it is really pleasing that we will once again be able to run this scheme which is well-received by both residents and businesses.
“It is quite fitting that the first day of free parking will coincide with Small Business Saturday, a national initiative that we are delighted to support to help boost the local economy.
“The East Riding is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse market towns in the country and this will be the fourth year that we have suspended parking charges to help bring shoppers to the East Riding in the run up to Christmas.
“The council is still happy to promote schemes like this which have a real and tangible benefit to local businesses.”
The free parking will apply on Saturday 7, 14 and 21 and Sunday 8, 15 and 22 December. Normal parking rules still apply such as those around disabled parking bays and maximum stays.
All council car parks will be free from 8am on Saturday until 8am on Monday.
